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Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has sustained a finger fracture and will be placed on the injured list, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Goold reports that catcher Ivan Herrera is expected to take Contreras’s spot on the active roster tomorrow. Contreras was hit by a pitch during the club’s game against the Twins and the timeline for his return is still unclear. He is scheduled for scanning on Monday to determine the extent of his absence.
While the exact duration of Contreras’s absence is uncertain, this news is frustrating for the Cardinals. The 32-year-old has been a key hitter for the team this season with an impressive .263/.379/.470 slash line (141 wRC+). However, injuries, including a broken arm suffered earlier in the year, have plagued him. With only a month left in the regular season, a prolonged absence could end his 2024 season.
Even if Contreras returns before the season ends, it raises concerns for the Cardinals’ playoff chances. With a 64-65 record, they are below .500 and in third place in the NL Central. Their playoff hopes now rely on securing a Wild Card spot, but they are currently six games behind the Braves. To make the postseason, they would need to surpass the Cubs, Giants, and Mets in the standings.
The team has struggled offensively this year, ranking 18th in the majors with a collective wRC+ of 97. Despite improvements in the pitching rotation, key offensive players like Goldschmidt and Arenado have underperformed compared to last season. With Contreras out, the team will need players like Herrera and Pages to step up in his absence.
Herrera, who has performed well in limited big league appearances, could see more playing time behind the plate. The 24-year-old has shown promise with a solid .279/.340/.378 slash line and impressive peripheral numbers. With Contreras sidelined, the Cardinals will rely on Herrera and other players to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
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